Nursing Home Resident Dies After Being Left Outside in the Heat

Florida’s Agency for Healthcare Administration has found a The Aristocrat nursing home in Naples, FL mistreated and neglected residents.

In August, a resident died after being left outside in the heat. Robert Bernard, 90, was found outside with a sunburn and a 105 degree temperature–heat that caused him to go into cardiac arrest.

Surveillance video reveals that Bernard was outside in his wheelchair, checked on once by a nurse, and left for two hours. All three nurses assigned to watch him have been fired.

Prior to Bernard’s death, the home had no system for supervising residents while they were outside. The home has been fined several times in relation to poor treatment in the past. This time around, they could lose their Medicare agreement.

If your loved one lives in a nursing home or assisted living facility, keep an eye out for any mistreatment or negligence when you visit them. If you suspect something is wrong, don’t hesitate to contact your state ombudsman immediately.